Patents by Inventor Brian J. Campbell

Brian J. Campbell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10490265
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 10482952
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20180130524
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20170236578
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 9672901
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20160307621
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 9343139
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20150332754
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 9129708
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20140362639
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8848463
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Publication number: 20140092676
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8625368
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8553488
    Abstract: A memory may include a memory array, a plurality of control circuits, and a plurality of isolation circuits. The plurality of control circuits may be configured to generate control signals for the memory array. For example, the plurality of control circuits may include a plurality of word line driver circuits. The plurality of isolation circuits may be configured to receive the control signals from the plurality of control circuits and a plurality of isolation signals. A first isolation signal may correspond to the plurality of word line driver circuits and at least one second isolation signal may correspond to other ones of the plurality of control circuits. The first isolation signal and the second isolation signal may be independently controlled during memory tests to detect stuck-at faults associated with the plurality of isolation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Daniel C. Murray, Conrad H. Ziesler
  • Patent number: 8476930
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a level shifter circuit may include a shift stage that also embeds transistors that implement a logic operation on two or more inputs to the level shifter. At least one of the inputs may be sourced from circuitry that is powered by a different power supply than the level shifter and circuitry that receives the level shifter output. Additionally, the level shifter includes one or more dummy transistors that match transistors the perform the logic operation, to improve symmetry of the level shifter circuit. In some embodiments, certain design and layout rules may be applied to the level shifter circuit to limit variation in the symmetry over various manufacturing variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Naveen Javarappa, Greg M. Hess
  • Patent number: 8416635
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8395954
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a logic circuit and a memory circuit that includes multiple bit lines and bit line precharge circuits. The memory circuit may include level shifters for control signals generated from logic circuit inputs, including one or more level shifters that generate precharge enable signals to control the bit line precharge circuits. The level shifters for the bit line precharge circuits may also be controlled, during periods of time that the memory circuit is idle, by a control signal (FloatBL herein). If the FloatBL signal is asserted, the bit line precharge circuits may be disabled. In some embodiments, the FloatBL signal may also disable bit line bit line hold circuits on the bit lines. In some embodiments, when the memory circuit is exiting an idle state, the bit line precharge circuits may be enabled in a staggered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Greg M. Hess, Hang Huang
  • Publication number: 20130016575
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage and at least one memory circuit coupled to the logic circuit and supplied by a second supply voltage. The memory circuit is configured to be read and written responsive to the logic circuit even if the first supply voltage is less than the second supply voltage during use. In another embodiment, a method includes a logic circuit reading a memory cell, the logic circuit supplied by a first supply voltage; and the memory cell responding to the read using signals that are referenced to the first supply voltage, wherein the memory cell is supplied with a second supply voltage that is greater than the first supply voltage during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Vincent R. von Kaenel, Daniel C. Murray, Gregory S. Scott, Sribalan Santhanam
  • Patent number: 8341578
    Abstract: A clock gater circuit comprises a plurality of transistors having source-drain connections forming a stack between a first node and a supply node. A given logical state on the first node causes a corresponding logical state on an output clock of the clock gater circuit. In one embodiment, a first transistor of the plurality of transistors has a gate coupled to receive an enable input signal. A second transistor is connected in parallel with the first transistor, and has a gate controlled responsive to a test input signal to ensure that the output clock is generated even if the enable input signal is not in an enabled state. In another embodiment, the plurality of transistors comprises a first transistor having a gate controlled responsive to a clock input of the clock gater circuit and a second transistor having a gate controlled responsive to an output of a delay circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Shaishav Desai, Edgardo F. Klass, Pradeep R. Trivedi, Sridhar Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20120314516
    Abstract: A memory may include a memory array, a plurality of control circuits, and a plurality of isolation circuits. The plurality of control circuits may be configured to generate control signals for the memory array. For example, the plurality of control circuits may include a plurality of word line driver circuits. The plurality of isolation circuits may be configured to receive the control signals from the plurality of control circuits and a plurality of isolation signals. A first isolation signal may correspond to the plurality of word line driver circuits and at least one second isolation signal may correspond to other ones of the plurality of control circuits. The first isolation signal and the second isolation signal may be independently controlled during memory tests to detect stuck-at faults associated with the plurality of isolation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Daniel C. Murray, Conrad H. Ziesler